The new coalition, an issue the government must resolve

Being both in position and opposition at the same time remained an unfavorable, deep-rooted practice in Afghan politics. Some political groups have been enjoying government resources both in positions of power and opposition since the collapse of the Taliban regime. In violation of all applicable laws, they use government resources for their personal and partisan interests. As long as their individual and partisan interests are protected in working at the government, they act as supporters of the government; however, whenever their interests are threatened, they become a political opposition right away while also lacking the moral courage to quit government posts.

All key figures of the new coalition formed in Turkey of three political parties are senior government officials. Instead of following orders of the central government as responsible government officials, they challenge government decisions under the ploy of reforms. Soon after its formation, the alliance has invited serious reactions from people from all walks of life. The majority of lawmakers have described the coalition as illegal and shameful, and called on the government to relieve members of the alliance of government posts. Now, the National Unity Government (NUG) has two options: to settle the issue with members of the coalition through dialogue, and pave the way for its dissolution, or dismiss them from government slots.

If leaders of the coalition serve in government and opposition at the same time, they violate the country’s all applicable laws, including the Constitution, which will further discredit the government in the eyes of the people. The government should not let certain elements to make mockery of governance, and take serious actions against those who clearly violate the tenets of democratic governance and the country’s applicable laws.

Although such coalitions have not lasted for long, and have only been used to protect partisan and personal interests, they can create problems for the already embattled government even if they are for short term given the sensitive situation of Afghanistan. In lieu of repeating the past mistakes, the government has to embrace a policy that can fundamentally solve problems, and prevent government officials from forming anti-government groups using their positions of power in the government.

One factor of the Afghan conflict is the Afghan government's failure to maintain a balance in its foreign policy. The imbalanced foreign policies of governments have paved the ground for Afghanistan to turn into a battlefield of proxy wars.